Book Review - Sandcastle Inn

Irene Hannon brings us back to Hope Harbor in Sandcastle Inn, the tenth book in her series. This installment brings us into the lives of veterinarian Matt Quinn and Vienna Price, a career driven go getter in limbo. In the wake of personal tragedy, Matt finds himself on a working vacation, unprepared for the amount of work it will take to help his sister Kay with her coastal B&B in need of renovation. He desperately needs a contractor and an advisor who is skilled in revamping boutique properties with an image problem. As usual, Hope Harbor delivers in spades, bringing Vienna into his orbit in a way that catches them both off balance.

Sandcastle Inn is a love letter from Hannon to anyone struggling with grief, shame, and family strife. She does not dance around the issues, and though it reads as fiction, she packs a great deal of truth and hope in the storyline. There is no doubt the longtime residents of Hope Harbor we have grown to know and love are patiently guiding forces along the way: Bev, Charley, Father Murphy and Reverend Baker, Floyd and Gladys. Their roles in this book feel like they were written just for this specific storyline, but anyone who has read any of the nine books before will feel the same way about each one. Hannon writes with such familiarity that this is not the first time I have caught myself longing for a vacation to this fictional seaside town, dreaming of a cookie from the jar on the counter at Bev’s Book Nook or tacos and a word of wisdom from Charley. If you are looking for the perfect beach read, your search is over!

Sandcastle Inn by Irene Hannon, the tenth in her Hope Harbor series, is available now from your favorite local bookseller or online:

Baker Book House    Christian Book    Amazon    Barnes & Noble    Walmart

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

Book Review - Facing the Dawn

From the very beginning of Facing the Dawn, I felt like I could relate to Mara Jacobs. We both think we really ought to have it all together, and we both really don't have it all together. However, the main character of this novel by Cynthia Ruchti struggles with the weight of her family's world on her shoulders. A son prone to scrapes with the law, a daughter with a penchant for trouble, and the little boy of the family who struggles with more than a little boy should have to carry, all relying on Mara to keep the family afloat while their humanitarian dad is doing great things halfway around the world. When it all comes falling down around her ears, Mara finds that going through it alone isn't God's plan. Pushing through the wall of grief and the rippling consequences of her husband's death is a burden that Mara doesn't want to share. Being surrounded by people who love her carries her along the arduous path toward restoration.

I greatly appreciate the way the author carried the story. At times I felt that there would never be enough time left in the book for Mara's healing; I noticed that pages kept turning and still the journey was so slow that it could not possibly be accomplished by the time I ran out of text. I also appreciate the value of those who came alongside Mara to support her and who are supported by her, in spite of the fact that she seems to be depleted to the point of dysfunction. The story comes full circle in due time.

Facing the Dawn is currently available from your favorite local bookseller, or online from the following retailers:

Christian Book        Barnes & Noble        Amazon

Thank you to the author and the publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.